What do you think?
Rate this book
Midwest Cozy Mystery #1
Murdered by Words
A widow living in a small college Midwest college town writing steamy novels? Her editor murdered? Kat Denham writes under the pen name of Sexy Cissy, but it all falls apart when her true identity becomes known.
Kat is the one who finds her murdered editor and she and several others are worried that she'll be the next one to be murdered. She has to find the murderer to save her reputation and her life, but who did it? Was it her editor's husband? Was it the woman who had become obsessed with any book she considered to be morally objectionable? Or was it the "trophy wife" of the local banker?
Kat is the one who finds her murdered editor and she and several others are worried that she'll be the next one to be murdered. She has to find the murderer to save her reputation and her life, but who did it? Was it her editor's husband? Was it the woman who had become obsessed with any book she considered to be morally objectionable? Or was it the "trophy wife" of the local banker?
138 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 21, 2016
714 people are currently reading
480 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
September 2, 2019
An engaging cozy mystery with likable characters, a quickly paced plot, several suspects and a small town setting that was comfortable. I think the reason that I enjoy Ms. Harman's books so much is that her characters are more mature than most characters in cozy mystery reads which is refreshing.
November 9, 2017
I am extremely disturbed by the reviews of this book on this site. I understand that Amazon reviews can sometimes be made by friends of the author. I expected more from here.
This is hands down the WORST author I have ever read.
My review of this book:
I really wanted to like this. If I had realized this was another book written by an author of a book I previously disliked, I wouldn't have bothered. This one actually had some likable characters and a halfway decent plot. Well, the plot idea was good-execution was very weak.
But the dialogue... NOBODY talks like this! The characters having one on one conversations keep using each others' names! No one does that. That is not the only issue with the dialogue either. It is so awkward that I could barely make it through the book. I kept thinking that this is the first book in the series-perhaps the author is just not comfortable yet. So I drudged through it. I picked up the second book and made it 27% through before giving up because not only were the same dialogue issues present, but the entire premise as outlined was ridiculous and demeaning.
This is hands down the WORST author I have ever read.
My review of this book:
I really wanted to like this. If I had realized this was another book written by an author of a book I previously disliked, I wouldn't have bothered. This one actually had some likable characters and a halfway decent plot. Well, the plot idea was good-execution was very weak.
But the dialogue... NOBODY talks like this! The characters having one on one conversations keep using each others' names! No one does that. That is not the only issue with the dialogue either. It is so awkward that I could barely make it through the book. I kept thinking that this is the first book in the series-perhaps the author is just not comfortable yet. So I drudged through it. I picked up the second book and made it 27% through before giving up because not only were the same dialogue issues present, but the entire premise as outlined was ridiculous and demeaning.
April 29, 2016
disappointed. boring.
January 13, 2018
I am a big fan of Diane Harman. I have read practically all of the books she has written. This book is the first in the series. The main character is a widow with a college age daughter who writes sexy woman books under a pen name. In this first book, her editor is killed and Kat may be next. She meets a bachelor prosecutor who catches her eye. With his help and his private investigator brother they find the killer. In this story, Kat has a small Highland Terrier but adopts a Rottweiler named Rudy as a body guard. The book has interesting characters and a good plot. It kept my interest and had me guessing as to the real killer. The book was very enjoyable and I’m waiting for book #2!
May 17, 2020
The Author is Outed
Kat is the widow of the head of the English Department of a Kansas University. Afraid her money will run out with her never having worked, and her daughter now in college. Thus, she turns to writing. Blaine is the District Attorney of their county. They meet at her editor's Christmas party. Her editor is killed, and Kat discovers her body. This is an interesting murder mystery because of several people being possibilities in the murder. Dianne Harman has written a fast paced mystery with the motive for murder tied to Kat's novel. Well developed main characters.
Kat is the widow of the head of the English Department of a Kansas University. Afraid her money will run out with her never having worked, and her daughter now in college. Thus, she turns to writing. Blaine is the District Attorney of their county. They meet at her editor's Christmas party. Her editor is killed, and Kat discovers her body. This is an interesting murder mystery because of several people being possibilities in the murder. Dianne Harman has written a fast paced mystery with the motive for murder tied to Kat's novel. Well developed main characters.
October 3, 2018
"Hazards Of Writing Exotic Romance Stories"
This is another great cozy mystery by Harman. She sure knows how to keep her readers entertained. This story has everything: an editor is murdered, a small time writer called Sexy Cissy, secrets of Kat, a widow, and the local banker's trophy wife. There's so much here to enjoy to the very end. Always well written and a quick read. Highly recommend.
This is another great cozy mystery by Harman. She sure knows how to keep her readers entertained. This story has everything: an editor is murdered, a small time writer called Sexy Cissy, secrets of Kat, a widow, and the local banker's trophy wife. There's so much here to enjoy to the very end. Always well written and a quick read. Highly recommend.
September 6, 2024
Writing is not good
The book idea was interesting enough but the writing in this was just bad. So much repetition and explaining things that, for normal people, don't need explaining. For example, I know what manicotti is and I don't need a paragraph explaining it to me, even if the writer's "twist" is including recipes. Character dialog is stilted, people don't talk like that in real life, at least no one I've ever talked to. And rarely do I see characters discuss a topic in a book and then fully explain it again when talking to another character on the next page. Yes, that is what happens in real life but it is not necessary in a book and is awfully repetitive. This reads like something written by AI or possibly just a writer with a word count to fill. I won't be reading anything by this author again, there are much better writers out there.
The book idea was interesting enough but the writing in this was just bad. So much repetition and explaining things that, for normal people, don't need explaining. For example, I know what manicotti is and I don't need a paragraph explaining it to me, even if the writer's "twist" is including recipes. Character dialog is stilted, people don't talk like that in real life, at least no one I've ever talked to. And rarely do I see characters discuss a topic in a book and then fully explain it again when talking to another character on the next page. Yes, that is what happens in real life but it is not necessary in a book and is awfully repetitive. This reads like something written by AI or possibly just a writer with a word count to fill. I won't be reading anything by this author again, there are much better writers out there.
April 13, 2021
It sound a bit like Siri is narrating this. The characters don’t sound like that, but some don’t sound as realistic as they could. This is my first book by this author. I guess I don’t care too much for the steamy books (not that this nor adultery, so, that was a major detractor. I didn’t read the book description before clicking to listen because I was gifted a code for it. I stuck with it because I really was interested in where the story was going. I was definitely kept on my feet. I liked learning more about the writing process.
April 19, 2021
Kat is secretly Sexy Cissy, the author of some books that are of a questionable topic to some people. But then her editor is murdered. And somehow her secret isn’t a secret anymore. Was the murderer after Kat’s editor? Or did it have something to do with Sexy Cissy’s books. The reactions of the the people around town to Kat when they find out her secret identity was so funny. I enjoyed this story. It was amusing and an enjoyable cozy mystery to read!
September 1, 2024
This was book 1 in the Midwest cozy mystery series. Kat is a widow who writes steamy novels under a pen name. When her editor and friend is murdered, Kat realizes it may be connected to her writing which some in town feel is morally wrong. There are several likely suspects, but with her trust new sidekick and Rottweiler, Kat is able to solve the mystery. She also begins a new romance with the town DA. I enjoyed it!
June 25, 2018
Predictable
As predictable as the story is, it’s really cozy and sweet. It definitely has a feel good vibe, and all the characters are more or less interesting. I think if you enjoy the murder she wrote series, probably enjoy this. It’s not as compelling as the murder she wrote series. But it definitely has something about it that is quite charming.
As predictable as the story is, it’s really cozy and sweet. It definitely has a feel good vibe, and all the characters are more or less interesting. I think if you enjoy the murder she wrote series, probably enjoy this. It’s not as compelling as the murder she wrote series. But it definitely has something about it that is quite charming.
August 14, 2018
Enjoyed the book. The storyline was a bit stilted and I’m not sure I’d have been so calm about my manuscript being copied and copies given out as Kat was. The dialogue was a bit unnatural at times as was some of the rest but overall I enjoyed the book, as I got more into it I admit to being intrigued and if I was right about who did it; maybe a bit obvious but a good book nevertheless.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2020
Kat and Blaine
She is a romance writer with a Westie. He is a District Attorney. They live in a small town in Kansas. A Murder occurs and she needs to solve it or she may be next. Good people, great plotting that grabs the reader from the first page. Looking forward to following these characters in future stories.
She is a romance writer with a Westie. He is a District Attorney. They live in a small town in Kansas. A Murder occurs and she needs to solve it or she may be next. Good people, great plotting that grabs the reader from the first page. Looking forward to following these characters in future stories.
March 29, 2020
I enjoyed reading this very much and copied the chicken manicotti with italian sausage recipe at the end of the story and emailed my family and friends about having this after the virus is over. This is very well written and I could picture all the characters and traveled in my mind to the midwest during the story. Looking forward to reading another book.
June 6, 2020
Spice In A College Town
After the untimely death of her husband, Kat finds work as an author, with some questionable sexual exploits. She writes under a pen name and nobody knows it's her. That is, until she finds her editor with a bullet in her head. Can she put the pieces together, or is she the killer's next target?~
After the untimely death of her husband, Kat finds work as an author, with some questionable sexual exploits. She writes under a pen name and nobody knows it's her. That is, until she finds her editor with a bullet in her head. Can she put the pieces together, or is she the killer's next target?~
September 21, 2020
Writing under a pen name gives an author anonymity, which is a good thing if she writes in several genres, uses her neighbors for character inspiration, or if she lives in a small town and doesn’t want to be considered as sexy as her novels. It only takes one small slip to let the cat out of the bag.
January 18, 2021
This story happens in a small town in Kansas. Nancy is editing a book by a local author who writes under a pen name because of the type of books she writes. While she was working, there was a knock on the door. Thinking it was Kat, she told her to come in. When she realized it wasn't Kat, it was too late. She was shot. Now the mystery begins.
January 3, 2023
Another good book!
I liked the at the book flowed , it wasn’t rushed but it wasn’t a real long read either. Diana Hartman is a very good author, she kept the cast of characters short so it was asker to keep track of what was going on. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great mystery.
I liked the at the book flowed , it wasn’t rushed but it wasn’t a real long read either. Diana Hartman is a very good author, she kept the cast of characters short so it was asker to keep track of what was going on. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great mystery.
May 3, 2023
A widow in a town in Kansas writes romance novels under a psuedonym and when her identity is revealed some people are upset by her writing. While trying to figure out how it happened her editor is found murdered. Trying to figure out what happened and protect herself while juggling a new possible romantic involvement leads to a fast paced enjoyable reading.
March 7, 2025
I really like Dianne Harman's books but i must admit this is not one of her best. The story is entertaining enough and i really liked the main characters, but the culprit was really obvious and some of the dialogue was rather cliche especially at the end. Susan Carlston is Ok as a narrator but I found her delivery a bit flat. Still the characters interested me enough to take a chance on book 2.
February 10, 2017
MSexy author
Gee another new author for me. I love how the author brought everything together. I love a mystery that still has the togetherness of family. I will be reading more books by this author
Gee another new author for me. I love how the author brought everything together. I love a mystery that still has the togetherness of family. I will be reading more books by this author
May 4, 2017
Definitely Recommend
This is the first book in a series I haven't read yet but based on this one it's definitely one I plan on reading next. I love a book that has great characters, animals and a good storyline. This book fills all three.
This is the first book in a series I haven't read yet but based on this one it's definitely one I plan on reading next. I love a book that has great characters, animals and a good storyline. This book fills all three.
November 8, 2017
Sometimes we feel so guilty that we let that guilt guide our lives. Kat finds this is true as she tries to find out who murdered her editor Nancy. I enjoyed this book and recommend it and I highly recommend Rudy.
July 11, 2018
Enjoyed it immensely. It was a pleasant read, good plot, likeable characters, moved along at a reasonable rate of speed and had a great ending. I would most definitely like to read more by Dianne Harman.
August 18, 2018
Murdered By Words by Dianne Harman
Kat Denham is a lovely lady and this book is about her, the people she knows, and how they interact with each other. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, number one of a new series. I bought this book and the review is all my own.
Kat Denham is a lovely lady and this book is about her, the people she knows, and how they interact with each other. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, number one of a new series. I bought this book and the review is all my own.
August 29, 2018
Wonderful beginning of a new series
I am really looking forward to reading the next book. I have it four stars because there is a spoiler hint to the murderer. Figuring out the killer is part of the fun of reading mysteries.
I am really looking forward to reading the next book. I have it four stars because there is a spoiler hint to the murderer. Figuring out the killer is part of the fun of reading mysteries.
September 5, 2018
A good story!
I enjoyed this mystery romance. The romance was subtle and integral to the mystery. Being a dog lover it was interesting that Kat receives a Rottweiler as a gift for protection. He was fully trained and ready to serve and protect.
I enjoyed this mystery romance. The romance was subtle and integral to the mystery. Being a dog lover it was interesting that Kat receives a Rottweiler as a gift for protection. He was fully trained and ready to serve and protect.
September 19, 2018
Kat's editor, Nancy, is killed and no one is more surprised than Kat herself. There's a whole country club full of suspects so Kat decides to start looking into the mystery, meeting Mr Maybe along the way. Highly recommend!
March 3, 2019
Fun Read light and pleasant. Good end
Really enjoyed this book. It's an easy read but satisfying. I recommend it. Believable characters and well plotted. I Will read more of her books. Have not tried the recipes.
Really enjoyed this book. It's an easy read but satisfying. I recommend it. Believable characters and well plotted. I Will read more of her books. Have not tried the recipes.
May 22, 2020
Enjoyed the first book in the series
This was the first time I've read a book by this author. Great story and characters. I will continue to read this series. It was a quick read and easy to become involved In the story.
This was the first time I've read a book by this author. Great story and characters. I will continue to read this series. It was a quick read and easy to become involved In the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews